The Welsh Conservatives’ Shadow Minister for Climate Change, Energy and Rural Affairs – Janet Finch-Saunders MS – has today (03 September) spoken of her delight at the Welsh Government’s decision to use more Welsh wool in public buildings, following a letter of request from Mrs Finch-Saunders last month.
Writing in her letter of reply, Lesley Griffiths MS said:
“I am pleased to say the Welsh Government’s own Facilities Management team has committed to consider the more widespread use of wool in our estate in future, subject to the required compliance testing and certification.”
The Shadow Minister has now called for the Welsh Government to ‘double down’ on their commitment, expressing her concern at the administration’s passive tone in relation to using wool in devolved home insulation projects. Mrs Finch-Saunders will now write to the Welsh Government's Housing Minister to request an ‘explicit commitment’ in this area so to provide a sustainable market for the nation's farmers.
Commenting on the letter of reply, Janet said:
“I am delighted that this request from the Welsh Conservatives, which asked for a commitment to use more of our nation’s wool when furnishing public buildings, has received such a warm reception from the administration in Cardiff Bay.
“This has been an incredibly difficult year for Welsh sheep farmers, who have sadly witnessed a collapse in the price of wool clip as a result of the global COVID-19 pandemic. Clinching this commitment from the Welsh Government was essential so as to safeguard the long-term prospects of this pivotal industry.
“However, I am most concerned by the Welsh Government’s passive stance on using this iconic Welsh product in devolved home insulation schemes. Without an explicit commitment from the Welsh Minister, our farmer’s wish to develop new and sustainable markets appears to have been stonewalled at this most challenging time.
“Elected Members have a platform from which to pursue policies that place the best interest of agriculture and farmers at the heart of devolution. I am writing to the Welsh Government's Housing Minister to request a further commitment in this area, which will send a bold signal of support for an industry that is integral to the Welsh economy.”
ENDS
Notes for Editors:
- A copy of the Shadow Minister’s letter to the Welsh Government is attached.
- A copy of the letter of reply, from Lesley Griffiths MS – Minister for Environment, Energy and Rural Affairs, is attached.
